INnovation, QUality Improvement, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice (INQUIRE): A Navigation Model for Change and...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare project management
• Research methodology
• Innovation in practice

Background:

• Existing literature and models inadequately guide project method selection for quality improvement (QI), evidence-based practice (EBP), research, and innovation.
• A practical, step-by-step approach is needed to support project navigation and decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the INQUIRE Model, a decision-making pathway designed to assist in selecting appropriate project methods.
• To provide a structured approach for navigating project planning and method selection.

Main Methods:

• The INQUIRE Model was developed iteratively.
• The model's utility was evaluated with 23 national conference attendees using Likert-type survey items.

Main Results:

• The INQUIRE Model guides users from a project trigger to selecting a method aligned with scope and solution availability.
• Evaluation showed improvements: 14% in project method identification, 8% in solution scanning, 36% in avoiding missed steps, and 10% in team building.

Conclusions:

• The INQUIRE Model can enhance project planning and the selection of methods such as QI, EBP, research, and innovation.
• Organizations are encouraged to assess their current project planning processes to determine the benefits of adopting the INQUIRE Model.